This is my waterfront version of the classic folktale. In this story the old lady is a wacky fisherwoman who gobbles a skink, a worm, a bobber, her fishing line...oh, the list goes on!

Like the original, if you know the tune you can sing along:

"There was an old lady who gobbled a skink.

Why would she think to gobble a skink?

Perhaps she’ll sink."

This hungry old lady arrived unexpectedly one day when I was tinkering with poetry and story ideas. I love docks and being near water, so those elements found their way into my musings and this book. There were so many fun images and rhymes that came together I needed to see how the story would end. And speaking of the ending, during some of my school visits when I'm sharing with students what I'm working on next, I’ve been asking:

Do YOU think

the old lady will sink?

Their answers vary from those who strongly think she will NOT sink, to those who strongly believe (maybe hope) that she will. I've been telling students they'll be able to find out on February 2, 2016. I would love to tell you what happens, too, but what fun will it be if I spoil the ending?

I'm heading to the Vero Beach Book Center today to celebrate with a group of young readers. What a fun way to welcome my new book! Also, I’m working with exceptional first grade teacher Ed Spicer on a teacher guide – it will be available soon.

In celebration of the release I'm giving away one copy. I welcome you to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway. There are no restrictions and the contest is open to everyone.

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO GOBBLED A SKINK is published by Sky Pony Press and the adorable illustrations are by Ana Bermejo. It's now available wherever books are sold. If you’d like a signed or personalized copy of this or any of my books, you can contact the VERO BEACH BOOK CENTER at 1-888-732-3226 – just indicate the names you’d like me to include in the inscription.